Carolyn Seal – Secular Franciscan Order

Accessibility Committee Update

On November 3, 2025, Sister Bodily Death came unexpectedly for our brother, Michael Freeman. Michael served on the OFS Accessibility Committee since its inception. He faithfully served his fraternity in the Joan of Arc region, and was active in serving his region, including as the JPIC animator for several years. Michael was a devoted husband and father and worked as a special education teacher. ... On October 8, 2025, the Accessibility Committee hosted its first national webinar focusing on why creating access for individuals who are deaf or who live with a range of disabilities is so important for every Secular Franciscan fraternity and region.

Carolyn Seal2026-04-08T17:44:50-04:00April 13th, 2026|Categories: Accessibility Committee, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Gospel to Life; Life to Gospel: A Challenge for Young People

“Today’s young adults represent the most culturally diverse generation ever seen in the United States,” according to the Bishops in Connecting Young Adults to Catholic Parishes. ... Add this to the many cultural, economic and geographical differences present in our country and we find a beautiful but challenging diversity. One commonality, though, is that young people who have chosen a life of faith have a deep desire to connect that faith with everyday life.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-31T11:33:51-04:00April 6th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, FYYA|0 Comments

Doing our Little Bit for Justice

I remember with great warmth a snowy 2:00 AM drive to pick up our daughter, Grace, at Holy Cross Church in Lewiston, Maine, where the bus had returned from the March for Life in Washington D.C. She was less weary than the chaperones, and excited to share her adventures. It was around that same time my pastor, Father Conley, asked me to do a talk after Mass to support the diocese pro-life legislation.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-24T16:55:16-04:00March 30th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC|0 Comments

Faith without Action is Dead; Action without Faith is Social Work

True faith deepens our relationship with God and attunes our actions with his will. It is a form of surrender to the divine. It is a theological virtue through which we accept as true all that God has revealed to us through Scripture and the Church. As the apostle John wrote, let us not love only with words, but with action and in truth. (1 John 3:18).

Carolyn Seal2026-03-16T17:08:58-04:00March 23rd, 2026|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

That First Kiss

In his writings and throughout his life, St. Francis exemplifies that true faith must be expressed through concrete actions. That first kiss, to the leper, and then to and from the Christ of the cross of San Damiano, revealed humility, love, peace, and service to others. Francis stressed the commitment to “observe (putting words to actions) the holy Gospel” as our rule and life.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-11T12:04:57-04:00March 16th, 2026|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter, Spiritual Assistance|0 Comments

Integrating Faith and Action in Our Daily Lives

As Secular Franciscans, we are called not only to profess our faith but to exemplify it in our daily lives. Our Rule reminds us that our vocation is rooted in Baptism and strengthened at Profession, where the Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim Christ by both word and example. This integration of faith and action is demonstrated through the fruits of the Spirit, our commitment to the Rule, and our personal witness.

Carolyn Seal2026-03-10T10:33:24-04:00March 9th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, Minister’s Message|0 Comments

“It is in Giving That We Receive” – A Testament of Grace

Among the many treasures of our Franciscan heritage, few words echo more deeply than the closing line of the Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “It is in giving that we receive.” These words are not merely poetic; they are a spiritual truth lived out in the quiet generosity of countless souls who embody Gospel love. Today, we reflect on one such soul: Christine Gmeiner ...

Carolyn Seal2026-02-26T16:03:47-05:00March 2nd, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Regional Roundup – 5 of the 30 Regional Fraternities

In this issue, the ﬁnal ﬁve of the 30 regions highlighted - Lady Poverty Region, St. Maximillian Kolbe Region, Bl. Solanus Casey Region, Franciscans of the Prairie Region, Our Lady of Indiana Region.

Carolyn Seal2026-02-20T15:05:23-05:00February 23rd, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THE 21ST QUINQUENNIAL CONGRESS?

Why should you attend the Q? This National gathering, by its very name, Quinquennial Congress, refers to the fact that it happens only every 5 years. Ask anyone who has attended a Q in the past, and they will tell you that it was an amazing experience and an awesome opportunity to “rekindle the flame of their vocation” as we come together with members of our National fraternity family.

Carolyn Seal2026-02-17T11:18:58-05:00February 17th, 2026|Categories: 21st ODS Quinquennial Congress 2026, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

A Pilgrimage into Creation and Conversion

As part of their National Chapter, on Friday, September 12th, members of the Secular Franciscan Order set aside time for a half-day pilgrimage to St. Anthony Shrine in Ellicott City, MD. The site has long stood as a place of prayer, reflection, and Franciscan witness. Operated by the Conventual Franciscan Friars, the shrine rests on 236 wooded acres, offering both spiritual and natural beauty.

Carolyn Seal2026-02-06T11:33:11-05:00February 9th, 2026|Categories: Chapter News, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

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About Carolyn Seal